Syllabus (pdf version)

Introduction to Computer Applications - CSCI20 - Section 8260

Instructor: David Donica
Office Hour: Thursdays, 5:00pm to 6:00pm Greenshields Hall 3/4
Phone: 530.859.2854
E-mail: donica@siskiyous.edu
Website: http://www.siskiyous.edu/class/csci20/donica
Time: Wednesdys 6:00 - 9:00 pm
Date: 1/16/08 – 5/21/08
Location: Greenshields Hall 3/4, Weed Campus

Text: Microsoft Office 2007, Benchmark Series, Windows XP Series
by Rutkosky & Rutkosky. ISBN-13:978-0-76382-999-5

Course Purpose:

This course is designed to include hands-on exercises designed to teach the students the basics of the latest office computer applications including word processing, spreadsheets, database management, and creating presentations. No previous computer experience assumed.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion a student should be able to:

• Analyze a problem to determine if it warrants a computer solution and what type of software would be suitable to solve the problem.
• Be able to solve basic problems in information management.
• Develop sufficient skill using the operating system to copy files and disks, rename files and disks, and delete files.
• Be able to solve simple problems using spreadsheets and databases with the necessary tools and information.

Content:

This course is designed to introduce office computer applications. Various popular software packages will be introduced, including those for word processing, spreadsheet analysis, creating presentations, and manipulating databases. This course will include hands-on exercises designed to teach students the basics of the latest office computer applications including word processing, spreadsheets, database management, and creating presentations. No previous computer experience is assumed. This course has a support hour and will cover the following content:

• Exploring Windows
• Creating and Editing a Document
• Formatting Characters and Paragraphs in a Document
• Formatting and enhancing a Document
• Formatting with Special Features in a Document
• Analyzing Data using a spreadsheet
• Editing and formatting Worksheets
• Using Functions, Setting Print Options, and Adding Visual Elements
• Working with Multiple Worksheets, Tables, and Other File Formats
• Maintaining Data in a Table
• Creating Tables and relationships
• Creating Queries, Forms, and Reports
• Preparing a presentation
• Editing and Enhancing slides in a presentation
• Customizing a presentation

Prerequisite:

Although there are no prerequisites, in order to succeed in this course, students should have:

• A 10th grade reading level, including college-level spelling and grammar skills.
• Reliable Internet access and the ability to send and receive e-mail.

Text/Materials:

Text: Microsoft Office 2007, Benchmark Series, Windows XP Series
by Rutkosky & Rutkosky. ISBN-13:978-0-76382-999-5

Software: Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher, or Firefox 1.5 or higher, and Windows 2000 or higher should be installed on your computer. Microsoft Office 2007 with Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint installed on your home computer. If you are not able to have these programs at home, you can use the student computers provided for you on the Weed Campus.
Handouts: Additional handouts may be required. Instructor will provide information on obtaining this material.

Teaching Methods:

1. Lectures: Important material from the text and outside sources will be covered in weekly classroom discussions. Students should plan to take careful notes as not all material can be found in the texts or readings. Classroom discussion is encouraged as is student-procured outside material relevant to topics being covered.
2. Assignments: Review Assignments, research, and other work will be periodically assigned to reinforce material in the text. These assignments may require the application of various software packages.
3. Quizzes: Quick quizzes maybbe given to help ensure students stay up with assigned material. These quizzes will count as extra bonus points.
4. Exams: Exams will be given at the end of each unit - 4 in total. These will include an online quiz typically True/False, Matching, or Multiple Choice. Also a hands on assessment will be given to allow you to utilize the skills you have learned. The final exam will be comprehensive in nature. The format for the final will also include an online quiz and hands on assessments..
5. Internet: All material will be distributed on the Internet. Class notes, instructional material, and student assignments will be posted on 'the net' in a class website www.siskiyous.edu/class/csci20/donica. Students are encouraged to go to the text website EMC/Paradigm Publishing Rescource Center in order to obtain file downloads and view other items of interest throughout the semester.

Grading:

Letter grades will be determined using a standard percentage point evaluation as outlined below. Grades may be curved after the total semester points have been tabulated. However, do not count on a curve to obtain your desired grade.

A	90%-100%
B	80%-89%
C	70%-79%
D	60%-69%
F	Below 60%

Total points will be computed as follows. The total points for quizzes, cases, and assignments may vary.

Quizzes:	200 Points (4 @ 50 points each)
Assignments:	150 Points (15 Exercises @ 10 points each)
Final Exam:	150 Points
Total:	500 Points

Course Policies:

Missed Quizzes: The student is responsible for obtaining material distributed on the class website. This can be done on a daily or weekly basis. Missed or late quizzes can not be made up under any circumstances but with good cause and adequate notice, an early quiz may be given.
Assignments: All assignments are due by the assigned date and no later than 12:00 midnight. Late submission of assignments will be assessed a penalty of 10% per day. No exceptions are made.
Academic Dishonesty: Plagiarism and cheating are serious offenses and may be punished by failure on exam, paper or project; failure in course; and or expulsion from the University. For more information refer to the "Academic Dishonesty" policy in the University Undergraduate Catalog.
Need for Assistance: If you have any condition, such as a physical or learning disability, which will make it difficult for you to carry out the work as I have outlined it, or which will require academic accommodations, please notify me as soon as possible.
Posting of Grades: Final grades will not be posted. If you wish to have your final grade sent to you, please notify the instructor and your grade will be emailed to you.

Please send any comments or questions about this site to David Donica.
© 2008 College of the Siskiyous. All rights reserved.